Douglas County Recognizes National 4-H Week, Highlights Local Youth Programs

Douglas County commissioners proclaimed October 4-11, 2026, as National 4-H Week in the county, recognizing a program that served 588 local youth and supported 51 active clubs in 2025.

Commissioner Chris Boice presented the proclamation on behalf of Commissioners Tom Kress and Tim Freeman during a weekly business meeting. Local 4-H members, parents, volunteer leaders, OSU Extension staff, and fairgrounds representatives attended the presentation.

The Douglas County OSU Extension Office and Douglas County 4-H Association administer the local program, which serves youth ages 5-19. Last year, the program offered club activities in more than 50 project areas, registered 277 adult volunteers, and reported 23,238 volunteer hours. Its science lessons at local schools also reach more than 500 youth annually, according to the county release.

While 4-H is often associated with livestock projects and the county fair, its activities extend to science, horticulture, clothing construction, communication, leadership, and civic engagement. Members learn through hands-on projects, clubs, camps, and workshops.

“When many of us think of 4-H, we think of the county fair, livestock projects, the iconic green clover, and young people proudly showing what they have learned,” Kress said. “And while those are important parts of 4-H, the impact of this program goes so much deeper. We believe 4-H is preparing young people for life.”

Kelly Simonson, Douglas County’s 4-H program coordinator, said the program’s impact can be seen in accomplishments that never earn a ribbon, such as a child gaining the confidence to speak up or learning to try again after a setback.

“It’s not just about what young people do, but who they become while they are doing it,” Simonson said.

Kristi Reed, a former 4-H member who now participates as a parent and leader, described how the program helped her daughter find community and build confidence. She credited volunteers with providing encouragement and helping her daughter recognize that she can make a difference.

Douglas County Fairgrounds Director Ciera Keith also spoke about the fairgrounds’ role in hosting 4-H activities throughout the year and recognizing the work local members put into their projects.

The proclamation encourages residents to support 4-H by volunteering, becoming club leaders, attending events, supporting sales and auctions, and helping young people explore the program.

Information about joining or volunteering is available through the Douglas County 4-H program. Residents can also contact Simonson at kelly.simonson@oregonstate.edu.